Travis' dissatisfaction results from his isolation, his loveless state, and his lack of purpose. The natural solution, of course, would be human connection—something Betsy's looking for too, and which Iris thinks she has with Sport (although that's a complete fraud). Travis, however, has no constructive way of remedying his dissatisfaction, which spurs his turn towards violence. Taxi Driver ends on the disheartening note that Travis may never find peace.
Questions about Dissatisfaction
- Is Betsy dissatisfied with her life? In what ways? If so, how does this dissatisfaction compare with Travis' dissatisfaction?
- How would Travis best deal with his dissatisfaction?
- Are the sources of Travis' dissatisfaction still present in the modern world?
- Do you think Charles Palantine will be able to remedy American dissatisfaction and suffering on a national level?
Chew on This
The sources of Travis' dissatisfaction are outside him—the crime, the madness, and the filth that characterize 1970's New York City.
The sources of Travis' dissatisfaction are inside him—like his inability to understand that taking Betsy to a porn movie right after meeting her would be a bad decision.